Dog Grooming by LowchensAustralia.com

Why Snap-on Combs?
There was a time not so long ago that groomers never used snap-on combs because they had not yet been invented. Once they landed on the scene many groomers adopted them quickly claiming they improved their efficiency. Yet there was another group of groomers who even unto this day don't use them favouring scissor and clipper only grooming.

From our experience snap-on comb attachments were indeed a great way to improve efficiency and overall productivity, and they were never mean to eliminate scissor finishing. Today, almost every groomer has a few sizes of snap-on combs. It's not unusual to find them useful every day. Anything that saves time and reduces hand fatigue should be important to all groomers alike as grooming has always been laborious work, and we must look to our tools and equipment to reduce wear and tear on our precious bodies.

While we may call them "snap-on combs" they may be referred to as blade guards, blade grips and blade attachments. There is not a standardized system used by manufacturers branding the various sizes of snap-on combs. Oster snap-on combs are numbered by the length of coat they leave (in inches). Non-Oster combs are often numbered in 6 common comb sizes, 1; 1 1/2; 2; 3; 4; and 5. Some manufacturers produce more than these 6 sizes usually increasing the length of coat left. Avoid using combs with sharp ends to avoid injuries.

Snap-on comb attachments are available from grooming suppliers. Ensure that the snap-on combs you desire will fit on the clippers you use. Not all combs work on all clippers.

Using Snap-on Combs
Snap-on combs are attached to the blade end of a clipper over the blade. They are best used over a #30, #40 or #50 blades. It's possible to use them on #10 or #15, but performance is not as high.

Like all grooming techniques, it takes some practice to master snap-on combs. For the most part, they are used on coats after bathing, fluff-drying and final combing so that no matts are present. Snap-on combs do not go through matts.

Always go in the direction of coat growth. Your objective is to create as even a result as possible. Once done, use scissors to smooth any uneven spots.

Some purebred dogs being groomed into non-traditional styles can make great use of snap-on combs. For example, a full-coated Sheepdog can have its coat reduced to an inch, or two, (depending upon comb used) very quickly with snap-on comb. In fact, many other purebred full-coated dogs being given an even length coat reduction cut all over are candidates for snap-on comb grooming, followed by scissors to perfect any uneven spots.

Keep in mind that with the popularity of clipper vacuum systems the traditional application of snap-on comb grooming at the same required some modifications. Because the vacuum effect is lifting the hair coat into the comb and blade, you are likely to get a shorter cut than using the same size snap-on comb with a clipper not attached to a vacuum system.

Clean snap-on combs regularly with soap and water only. Remove any clipper oil or aerosol spray on combs before use.

Snap-on combs, also called blade guards, can save you a great deal of time and hand fatigue.

Smaller finisher trimmer type clippers may come with their own combs that fit only that clipper. PetEdge sells select Laube, Millers Forge, and Oster combs that are all compatible with an A-5 type blade. All given lengths are against the lie of the coat and are specified by the manufacturer, the same as blades. Snap-on combs can be used either with or against the lie of the coat. Keep in mind that the cut will often be longer when cutting with the direction of growth. 

There are some differences in the available brands. Oster combs are stamped with the length of coat they leave, and their lengths are a little different. All others have a number or letter designation stamped on them. Most brands (except Oster) have the original six comb sizes: 1, 1½, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Laube adds eight longer length combs. Some brands have very pointed ends, which can be dangerous. If these are found, simply rub the ends on a piece of cardboard or emery board until they are blunted. 

Snap-on combs are best used over a #40 blade, a #50 blade, or a #30 blade. Although they will go over any even-toothed blade, the combs have a tendency to drag and catch hair when used over the longer blades (#10 or #15).

Experiment with these tools. When used as recommended, they have many advantages. However, they do not cut well through heavily matted coats. Ideally, they are to be used on a clean, combed-out coat. If the dog is not very matted, try using them pre-bath to reduce the amount of coat that must be washed.

When doing full scissor trims on Lhasa type dogs, or puppy cuts, try a Snap-on. There may be some unevenness, but that will diminish as your technique improves (it is vital to clip following the angle of hair in the direction of coat growth to avoid leaving marks and short spots, just as with clippers). Use the comb to get to the approximate length and then scissor over it, or use thinning shears. When starting with an overgrown coat, this can be a great time saver. Try using a longer comb and going against the grain for a smoother, more plush finish at the same length. Start with a comb a couple of sizes longer for the legs on these dogs; or for a short version, use a #4, #5, or #7 on the body and a comb on the legs.

A Sheepdog done with one of the extra large size combs with the grain will turn out a great puppy cut. Heads can be given shape as well. For Poodles, the same ideas work, but remember that lengths will be shorter on Poodles with their off-standing coats than the lengths on Shih-Tzus.

A few additional things to remember: if you have one of those occasional dogs that the clipper burns at the lightest touch of the blade, try using only combs. The #5 comb will provide you with a length close to that of a #10 blade. Keep in mind, when using a Shear Magic or another vacuum clipper system, the lengths should be adjusted accordingly, as the pull of the vacuum will make them shorter! Do not spray Snap-on combs with coolant or any aerosol, as this may degrade the plastic. To clean, run under warm soapy water and dry off gently. 

Pet Edge